Over two hundred and fifty people, young and old, had gathered in the rain to get their books autographed. One of the employees, Chad, breathlessly told me that Hadfield had been on a whirlwind tour, having arrived in Prince George that morning from San Diego, and heading to Halifax the day after. He had no time in between any of his commitments: Hadfield stayed long past his allotted autograph session, moving off of his stage and among the crowd to ensure that no book was left unsigned. I even saw him sign a little boy's fighter jet, telling him, "that's an F18. I used to fly those. want me to sign it? Here, hold it by the other wing, so you don't smudge it." He was the picture of warmth, his kindness and courtesy with each person exemplary of the best of what Canadians hope to be. If I sound kind of in love, it's because I kind of am: this man was just so wonderful. He'd be an exceptional person even if he weren't an astronaut. He took the time to create a moment with every single person there. I saw him hug a girl who called him her hero, and I saw an old lady running away cackling that he was cute after he shook her hand. It was pretty special to see a whole community get so united over one marvellous person.

I really would recommend that you read his book: even if you're not interested in voyages in space, he's a beautiful writer and it has some excellent lessons. The Prince George Public Library has five copies available for loan. If you're not much into reading, definitely check out his youtube page, he does a lovely cover of David Bowie's Space Oddity.

I'll leave you with some words by Colonel Hadfield :

Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction. Every decision you make, from what you eat to what you do with your time tonight, turns you into who you are tomorrow, and the day after that. Look at who you want to be, and start sculpting yourself into that person. You may not get exactly where you thought you'd be, but you will be doing things that suit you in a profession you believe in. Don't let life randomly kick you into the adult you don't want to become.

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